CVE-2026-78408

Util-linux: util-linux: nsenter --join-cgroup leaks root cgroup migration authority

HIGH
7.9
CVSS Score
Published: September 2, 2026 at 03:05 PM UTC
Updated: October 21, 2026 at 06:17 PM UTC
2 products affected across 1 vendorEnterprise LinuxOpenShift Container Platform

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Severity
HIGH7.9
Exploit prediction
EPSS 0.2%
SSVC
PoC

Description

The nsenter --join-cgroup option opens the target cgroup.procs file as root and leaves that file descriptor open across later namespace and credential changes and across execve(). Because the kernel checks later cgroup migrations using the credentials from the original open, a program run in an attacker-controlled target can inherit root's ability to move host processes between cgroups. After a privileged operator uses --join-cgroup against that target, an unprivileged user can migrate and terminate unrelated root processes.

Affected

Our own answer: ranges merged, affected separated from platform-only, with confidence and review flags.

All versions10
Vendor states this is fixed in 7 (unaffected)
Vendor states this is fixed in 8 (unaffected)
Vendor states this is fixed in 9 (unaffected)
All versions
Vendor states this is fixed in 4 (unaffected)

Remediation

No guide yet

No remediation guidance has been written for this CVE yet. What the record does show:

References (5)

VDB Entryx_refsource_REDHAT
Source: cverecord
https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-78408
Issue Trackingx_refsource_REDHAT
Source: cverecord
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2522497
Vendor Advisoryx_refsource_REDHAT
Source: cverecord
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:63162
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/09/05/2

SSVC — Action Prioritization

SSVCPoCNot automatablePartial impact

SSVC signals action urgency (what to patch first), separate from CVSS which measures severity.

CVSS

7.9HIGHredhat
Attack Vector
LOCAL
Complexity
LOW
Privileges
LOW
User Interaction
REQUIRED
Scope
CHANGED
Confidentiality
NONE
Integrity
HIGH
Availability
HIGH
Vector?

Quick Info

StatusAWAITING ANALYSIS
CWE
CWE-775

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